Twice a team winner, way back in â€89 and â€94, Iowa State with Robin Kwemoi Bera (bib 626) and Joash Ruto (635) key to the effort, has a chance to return to the podium top. (MIKE SCOTT)
A TEAM THAT MAY finally be in a position to win its first NCAA title in 31 years — after a runner-up spot last fall continued its run of high finishes since â€19 — was not shy about showing its cards the last weekend in September. Powerhouse programs donâ€t often run with serious intent this early, but Iowa Stateâ€s showing at the Gans Creek Classic — home of this fallâ€s NCAA Champs — shows itâ€s serious about finally topping the podium in â€25.
Led by runner-up Joash Ruto, the Cyclones tallied 47 points, 60 ahead of a very strong Virginia team and a Colorado squad that seeks a return to prominence not far behind.
Meanwhile, even without big dogs Brian Masau (Cowboys) and Habtom Samuel (Lobos), Oklahoma State and New Mexico put on a show at the formerâ€s annual Stampede, the hosts winning, 36–41. Both teams showed off the depth that will make or break them in November.
Meanwhile, teams like defending champ BYU, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wake Forest, Oregon are taking stock of how they can develop to challenge this possible “Big 3†and make their own runs at a podium spot — while also navigating tough conferences and regional qualifiers. Buckle up, it should be fun.
1. Iowa State
It seems like finally the Cyclones might have what it takes to push them over the top to an NCAA title. Coach Jeremy Sudburyâ€s squad was just 13 points short last year, their fourth top-5 finish in half a dozen seasons. Yes, ISU lost three from that group, but Kenyan sophs Robin Kwemoi Bera (37th) and Joash Ruto (34th) are running like veterans. Getting uber-experienced senior Sanele Masondo (23rd) back for a final year is a big bonus. So is the improvement of Rodgers Kiplimo to 4th in the NCAA 10,000 last spring after a modest autumn.
2. Oklahoma State
Some folks might think that when you start with two guys who have run 12:59 and 27:20 on the track, a trophy is there for the taking. But as Coach Dave Smith knows, even with Brian Musau (5th last fall) and Denis Kipngetich (11th after 4th in â€23), youâ€re still not going to beat your rivals if you canâ€t go five-strong. The Cowboys fell short of their lofty aspirations last fall, taking 8th, and need a return to form from standout Fouad Messaoudi (222nd), plus support from Adisu Guadia, Laban Kipkemboi and Ryan Schoppe to make their podium dreams come true.
3. New Mexico
Having a warrior like 2x NCAA runner-up and 26:51 track performer Habtom Samuel to lead your charges is great. Surrounding him with guys who can lift you from 9th in â€24 to challenging for the podium is even better. Coach Darren Gauson might have the horses now with returnees Collins Kiprotich (35th), Vincent Chirchir (off-form 148th) and Evans Kiplagat (40th) joined by frosh (and 8:17 steepler) Mathew Kosgei. Others, like Iker Sánchez Lopez may need to rise up to provide that final piece of the puzzle.
4. BYU
You can never count Coach Ed Eyestone and his defending champ Cougars out of a national title hunt, but the departure of low stick Casey Clinger (6th) and three other seniors means another podium run will take some development. NCAA steeple champ James Corrigan (62nd last fall) could lead the way with support from Lucas Bons (39th), Davin Thompson (50th), and Stanford grad transfer Thomas Boyden (13:21/28:06 track PRs). Frosh Tayvon Kitchen from Oregon (13:53 track 5K) could make a big impact sooner rather than later.
5. Virginia
Senior and 3:48 miler Gary Martin (13th in â€24) is the face of the Cavs, but the rise of legendary coach Vin Lanannaâ€s program is the group of veterans heâ€s built around them. Virginia was just 21st last fall, but seniors Will Anthony, Justin Wachtel, Nathan Mountain and Brett Gardner are coalescing into a group that knows its time is now. The first 3 were outside the top 100 at NCAAs, but their runner-up finish at Gans Creek shows high top 10 potential.
6. Wake Forest
Wake was 7th last year despite star Rocky Hansen finishing just 100th. If the 13:07 soph can get to the front, the prospects with returnees Charlie Sprott (32nd), JoJo Jourdon (46th), Joseph Oâ€Brien (56th) backing him up look good. The Demon Deacons will miss Aidan Ross (injury) and Luke Tewalt (graduation), but if a mix of newcomers and veterans can fill in at the back, Wakeâ€s big 4 could carry John Hayes†crew a few spots higher.
7. Wisconsin
Coach Mick Byrneâ€s Badgers have two big guns to replace from graduation in Bob Liking and Adam Spencer from their stellar 4th-place squad which showed out well on their home course. But the good news is the cupboard is far from empty in Madison. Top returnees Micah Wilson (53rd), Matan Ivry (59th) and Christian de Vaal (69th) could all potentially lead the perennial powerhouse. Johnny Livingston is the best of several rising contributors and incoming frosh who will vie for remaining spots.
8. Oregon
After taking just 14th at NCAAs last fall, this feels like a season where Coach Jerry Schumacherâ€s crew might sneak back into the top 10 again. Aiden Smith returns as the Ducks†leading scorer in Madison (29th) and itâ€s a good bet 1500/5000 standout Simeon Birnbaum can improve on his 74th from â€24. Super steepler Ben Balazs and former prep 5000 record-holder Connor Burns return to harrier action as well. Transfers Evan Bishop (Wisconsin) and Michael Mireles (UCLA) could make a big splash too.
9. Alabama
Kenyan Dismus Lokira, 37th last fall but then a 27:47 performer on the track, will try and lead the Tide back into the top 10 after an 18th-place finish last year. Coach Dan Waters lost Victor Kiprop to graduation, but returns Dennis Kipruto (74th, 13:37/27:58) and welcomes Ezekiel Pitireng, Ahmed Ibrahim, Timothy Kibet and Nelson Pariken. Alabama was a promising 4th at Gans Creek.
10. Colorado
Is Colorado — 19th at NCAAs last fall — possibly on its way “back†to championship contention? A 3rd-place finish for Coach Sean Carlsonâ€s crew at Gans Creek was certainly promising, led by Toledo transfer Dominic Seremâ€s strong 5th-place finish. Dean Casey was “only†the Buffs†No. 4 man at Gans, but is its leading nationals returnee at 30th. Nike Cross Nationals runner-up TJ Hansen was a big recruiting get who could pay early dividends.
Others To Watch:
Arkansas, Butler, Cal Baptist, Northern Arizona, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Washington State.
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